Ambitious Vision Brought to Life
Background
ServU Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. Its mission is to promote thrift by providing members with secure opportunities to save and access credit for productive purposes.
Today, ServU Federal Credit Union continues to grow its presence in New York across Steuben, Yates, Schuyler, and Allegany counties, with strong community response and ongoing expansion anticipated.
The Problem
As ServU Federal Credit Union continued to grow, its existing operations center could no longer support the organization’s expanding needs. At the same time, an aging branch facility nearby required significant updates.
ServU faced a critical decision: renovate and expand its existing facilities or invest in an entirely new headquarters and retail branch that could better support long-term growth. The credit union ultimately chose to pursue a new, highly visible facility that would not only meet operational demands but also redefine its brand presence within the community.
The vision was ambitious. ServU wanted a modern, iconic building unlike anything else in the Painted Post area — a facility that would capture attention from the nearby highway, elevate the member experience, and showcase the future direction of the organization.
Project Scope/Solution
PWCampbell partnered with ServU Federal Credit Union to design and build a two-story operations center and retail branch that balanced functionality, branding, and architectural impact.
The project included:
- Fully branded retail branch
- Executive offices and reception area
- Call center operations
- Conference and board rooms
- Employee offices, workstations, and break rooms
- Three-lane drive-thru
- Integrated banking technology solutions
The exterior featured a dynamic mix of metal panels, brick, glass, and architectural materials designed to maximize visibility and create a striking presence along the highway. A dramatic two-story glass vestibule, branded exterior canopies, and a signature curved metal façade element reinforced ServU’s evolving identity.
Inside, the branch transitioned away from the traditional teller-line model in favor of a more open, technology-focused member experience. Branded finishes, collaborative service pods, and interactive touchscreen technology supported ServU’s modern approach to banking while improving both member engagement and staff functionality.
The Results
The completed facility delivered a transformative new headquarters and branch environment that positioned ServU for long-term growth while dramatically elevating its public image.
The new operations center:
- Consolidated retail and operational functions into one cohesive facility
- Increased visibility and brand recognition within the market
- Created a modernized member experience centered around technology and interaction
- Improved workplace functionality and employee collaboration
- Established a recognizable landmark within the Painted Post community
Despite the challenges and supply chain disruptions caused by the early stages of the 2020 pandemic, the project was successfully completed in approximately 12 months. Today, the facility stands as the flagship of the ServU portfolio and a signature project within the region.
PWCampbell Added Value
Because ServU had never undertaken a project of this scale, PWCampbell provided guidance far beyond design and construction:
- Worked closely with leadership throughout the entire process
- Helped navigate planning, decision-making, and branding integration
- Supported operational considerations and construction challenges
Through its collaborative design-build approach, PWCampbell delivered a seamless experience under one roof, aligning:
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Construction
- Project management
This integrated process allowed ServU to move confidently through a complex project while minimizing disruption and staying focused on its members and staff.
The result was more than a new facility — it was a fully realized vision that strengthened ServU’s brand, operational capabilities, and long-term market presence.
